Alpine Reimagined: An Illuminated Bar Front at Decorex 2026
Inspired by the warmth of 1970s alpine living, Claudia Dorsch's Decorex VIP Lounge brought together rich textures, sculptural lighting and a bespoke LumiStone bar to create an inviting retreat from the exhibition floor.
For Decorex 2026, interior designer Claudia Dorsch transformed the VIP Lounge at Olympia London into an immersive alpine retreat. Titled Back to the Future – The Chalet Reimagined, the concept drew inspiration from the understated glamour of 1970s ski culture, reinterpreting traditional chalet living through a contemporary lens.
Warm timber, layered textures, vintage-inspired furnishings and sculptural lighting created an interior that felt both nostalgic and distinctly modern. Designed as a place to pause, connect and unwind, the lounge offered visitors a welcome escape from the energy of the exhibition, with each material and detail contributing to its rich, sensory atmosphere.
At the heart of the space, a statement illuminated bar front brought together natural stone aesthetics and contemporary lighting. Working in collaboration with Claudia Dorsch Interiors, Applelec Interiors supplied the LumiStone Ivory Quartz surface and its integrated backlighting, creating a softly illuminated feature that complemented the lounge's warm, earthy palette.
Selected from the LumiStone collection, Ivory Quartz captures the delicate veining and translucent beauty of natural stone through a lightweight, precision-printed surface. When illuminated, the design reveals layers of warmth and depth, bringing a gentle luminosity to the bar and enhancing the surrounding materials.
The attention to atmosphere extended beyond the visual. From the alpine scent greeting visitors to the softened acoustics, tactile finishes and carefully curated artwork, the lounge was designed to engage the senses and encourage people to linger. Claudia later reflected on visitors settling in, connecting and spending far longer in the space than they had originally intended.
For Applelec Interiors, the collaboration demonstrated how LumiStone can become part of a wider creative vision, with surface design and engineered illumination integrated into a bespoke interior scheme.
More than a showcase of individual products, the Decorex VIP Lounge celebrated the value of creative collaboration, bringing designers, makers and specialist manufacturers together to create an environment defined not only by how it looked, but by how it made people feel.
Interior design: Claudia Dorsch. Photography: Nathan Wood.
Discover how bespoke illuminated surfaces can introduce depth, warmth and individuality to hospitality and interior design projects.
